Last weekend, I had dinner with a couple of friends, and when I received the receipt, I was momentarily speechless. The menu prices for the two of us totaled around $120, but the final amount exceeded $155.

The culprits were taxes and tips. The sales tax in downtown Monterey is 9.25%, so on $120, the tax alone adds up to $11.10.

On top of that, adding a 20% tip based on the pre-tax amount adds another $24. Combined, that brings the total to $155.10, which is nearly 30% more than the menu prices.

This isn't just a feeling; statistics back it up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September, released on October 14, shows that dining out prices have risen by 3.5% compared to a year ago.

In the same period, grocery prices for food purchased at supermarkets only increased by 1.8%. This indicates that the gap between home-cooked meals and dining out continues to widen.

In particular, full-service restaurants, where you sit down and receive service, saw the largest increase at 3.8%. Limited-service establishments, like fast food, had a 3.2% increase.

However, we can't completely stop dining out at the end of the year. There are year-end gatherings and guests visiting after a long time. So, I've summarized two methods I've been using lately.

The first is happy hour. This is a time between 3 PM and 6 PM before the dinner rush when drinks and small plates are offered at discounted prices, and if you choose wisely, it can serve as a full dinner.

For example, C Restaurant + Bar, located inside the Cannery Row Hotel, has happy hour from 4 PM to 6 PM, Monday through Thursday. According to a local newspaper article from 2023, small bites are $8, cocktails are $8, draft beers are $6, and house wines are $7.

At those prices, for two people, you can get two appetizers and two beers for about $28. Even with tax of $2.59 and a 20% tip of $5.60, it totals around $36.19.

You're enjoying the same ocean view while spending less than a quarter of what a full dinner would cost. Of course, I don't leave completely full, so I usually boil some ramen when I get home. Still, it's a good deal.

The Sardine Factory lounge was voted the best happy hour by local readers in 2025. It's a great option if you want to enjoy a nice atmosphere.

However, happy hour times and prices can change frequently. Even at the same restaurant, I found listings with different ending times of 6 PM and 7 PM. It's essential to call ahead or check the official website before you go.

Another tip: many places only apply happy hour pricing at bar seats. When making a reservation or getting seated, it's a good idea to ask, "Is the happy hour menu available here?" to avoid any surprises on the bill.

The second method is restaurant week, which in our area is referred to as culinary week. During a set period, various restaurants offer fixed-price 3-4 course prix fixe menus.

The Carmel Culinary Week is a prime example; when it first launched in 2020, the course prices ranged from $20 to $65. In 2025, it ran from May 30 to June 7, and one Italian restaurant offered a 4-course meal for $75.

The advantage is that the bill is predictable. When ordering appetizers, mains, and desserts separately, the total can keep increasing, but with a fixed course price, budgeting becomes much easier.

The timing is the issue, though. The Carmel event typically occurs between late spring and early summer, and it was confirmed to have taken place in early June this year. This doesn't align with the year-end season.

In nearby Santa Cruz, restaurant week was from October 22 to 29 in 2025. I haven't found the official schedule for this year yet, but based on past patterns, it's likely that it has already ended by the time this article is published.

So, my conclusion is this: survive the year-end with happy hours, and mark restaurant week on next year's calendar. Subscribing to the official site's newsletter will keep you informed.

One more thing to check on the bill is the service charge. In California, restaurants are required by law to clearly state the details and purpose of any mandatory fees on their menus or advertisements.

So, be sure to read the fine print at the bottom of the menu. If you're at a restaurant that already includes a service charge, adding another 20% tip means you're effectively paying twice for the same service.

Calculating tips based on the pre-tax amount is also acceptable. For a $120 meal, the pre-tax tip would be $24, while the post-tax tip would be $26.22, resulting in a difference of about $2. While that may seem small, over several year-end gatherings, it adds up to the cost of a few cups of coffee.

Of course, there are opposing views. Some argue that it feels unfair to only go to happy hours when restaurant workers are struggling with rising costs. I see the validity in that perspective.

So, even when I go to happy hours, I tend to calculate tips based on the regular price before discounts. It's my way of protecting my wallet while still ensuring servers get their fair share.

In summary, here's what to do: schedule year-end gatherings during happy hour on weekdays at 4 PM. Check for service charges on the bill.

Calculate tips based on the pre-tax amount. Plan ahead for restaurant week next year. That's all you need to remember.

By following these four guidelines, you can enjoy a dinner that used to cost over $150 for around $50. Let's dine smartly this year-end without cutting it out completely.